Sharks attack three swimmers off two Florida beaches

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – In a rare and alarming sequence of events, two separate shark attacks occurred within a span of 90 minutes on Friday, June 7, 2024, along the Florida Panhandle, leaving three swimmers injured. The incidents took place at popular vacation spots, Watersound Beach and Seacrest Beach, both located in Walton County.

The first attack happened around 1:20 p.m. local time at Watersound Beach. A 45-year-old woman was swimming with her husband just past the first sandbar when she was bitten by a shark. The woman sustained severe injuries to her midsection and left arm, which later required partial amputation. Emergency responders quickly airlifted her to HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, where she was reported to be in critical condition.

Approximately 90 minutes later, a second attack occurred about four miles east of the first incident, near Seacrest Beach. Two teenage girls, aged 15 and 17, were swimming with friends in waist-deep water when they were attacked by a shark. One of the girls suffered significant injuries to her upper leg and hand and was airlifted to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola Hospital in critical condition. The other girl sustained minor injuries to her foot and was taken to Ascension Bay Medical Center in stable condition.

Following the attacks, Walton County authorities took swift action to ensure public safety. Double red flags were raised, indicating that the Gulf of Mexico was closed to swimmers. The Walton County Sheriff's Office and the South Walton Fire District collaborated with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to patrol the waters and monitor the shoreline. Beaches were reopened on Saturday with heightened caution, marked by single red and purple flags to warn of high hazard conditions and the presence of dangerous marine life.

Shark attacks in Walton County are exceedingly rare. The last reported incident occurred in 2021, and the previous fatality was in 2005. Demian Chapman, director of the Center for Shark Research at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida, emphasized the unusual nature of these events. "It's even more rare to have two events in one day involving three people. That's astronomically low odds of that happening," Chapman stated.

Authorities are investigating whether environmental factors, such as the presence of bait fish near the shore, contributed to the attacks. Sheriff Michael Adkinson noted that the timing of the attacks, in the middle of the afternoon, was also atypical, as sharks are usually more active during early morning and dusk.

Despite the recent incidents, shark attacks remain rare. According to the International Shark Attack File maintained by the Florida Museum of Natural History, there were 69 unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2023, with 10 resulting in fatalities. Florida, known for its extensive coastline and high tourist activity, recorded 16 unprovoked bites last year, none of which were fatal.

Beachgoers are advised to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines to minimize the risk of shark encounters. These include avoiding swimming during twilight hours, staying out of the water if bleeding, and refraining from wearing shiny jewelry that can attract sharks. Authorities also recommend staying in groups and avoiding areas where fish are schooling.

The recent shark attacks in Walton County serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of marine life. While the odds of encountering a shark are low, the incidents underscore the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols. As investigations continue, authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors along Florida's Gulf Coast.